University College Cork is to answer the oldest mystery in modern literature, writes Ralph Riegel.

The college will this week host a special seminar entitled 'Shakespeare Bites Back' -- an attempt to demolish conspiracy theories that the bard didn't actually write the most famous works in the English language.

For centuries, William Shakespeare (left) was the undisputed author of such classics as 'Othello', 'Hamlet', 'Macbeth' and 'Romeo and Juliet'.

However, over the past century, some scholars have suggested that portions of some of his works were penned by his great rival, Christopher Marlowe, or by the 17th Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere.

Now, UCC is to host a landmark seminar where two of the world's foremost Shakespearian scholars defend the author.

Professor Stanley Wells and Dr Paul Edmondson will host the seminar on Thursday.

It takes place at 12 noon and 6pm -- and will, according to Prof Wells, include "a few surprises".